For My Birthday I Spent a Lot of $$$

Let's just say some days are better left forgotten. The kind of days when everything feels wrong and goes wrong and the delicate juggling act we try to keep in the air comes crashing down on our own heads.
I would first like to thank Officer W. for issuing me a traffic ticket for my inspection that expired two weeks ago. If he hadn't stopped me, I might not ever have noticed it was overdue. I would also be $91 richer.
I would also like to thank the mechanical-powers-that-be for giving me a car that is now parked on my lawn with the hood up and the engine guts all disassembled to pieces. How would I otherwise be reminded of what a great mechanic Steve is (even though that's not really what he does) who is able fix my fuel pump and cam shaft? I even got to peer into the mysterious depths of a VW engine and marvel at how a tiny little engine like that has the power to make a car run. I would also be $800+ richer. We had to recite our mantra: "It's less than a couple of car payments."
So, I started this day thinking it was all about me. My day, what I wanted to do, my plans and my schemes. Silly me. I was happy when it was my bedtime, though. I was ready to call it a day sometime around two in the afternoon. As Tess' piano teacher said, I need to call a do-over!

Easy Friday Night Meal, Movies at Home, Slowly But Surely

photo and recipe martha stewart everyday food

1. I plan Friday dinners to be easy, laid back meals. Tonight we had Steak Sandwiches with Red Onion Jam. To simplify even more, I used a good quality, sliced roast beef from the deli.
1a. On the side- shrimp cocktail.
2. Better than going out, relaxing at home with a movie and glass of wine.
3. The treat of one or two spring-like days to interrupt the string of  blustery, cold ones.

In From the Blustery Sidewalk, Just What I Was Looking For, Back Again

1. A window table with B. at Bread Craft for coffee and almond croissants. I couldn't resist a loaf of cinnamon bread with icing to take home as a treat for the family's breakfast tomorrow.
 

 
2.  As we browsed my favorite shop, I told B. that I was looking for something wooden to put on my plain white coffee table. She gave me a hesitant look and said she had something wooden for me out in her car. Hmm, I can't imagine what it could be. Later, at the car she gave me this beautiful, distressed piece of barn wood her husband cut. She added a bird's nest and egg and enclosed it all in a cellophane bag. I had just bought the glass cloche and it fit perfectly over the nest. My coffee table is plain no more.
3. Back to the oral surgeon, slightly nervous and prone to feeling a bit shaky after this two month ordeal. He recommends another minor surgery (more stitches : ( and then he says, "I won't charge you." I think, "Wow!"Afterward, I sit in the sun-warmed car to let my nerves settle and then happily drive away.

Unleashed, Contained, Lucky Day

1. Capricious March weather gives vent to my moods. Month of my birth, no wonder. Shortly before and again after this photo, the sun shone brightly. Henri must have heard me exclaim my surprise because he came to look out the window too. It was an exciting display, so blustery and wild!

2. My notes are neatly typed and filed. I also reorganize my committee binder and now I feel like all is right in the world. (I know, I know, it's a false sense of security. But it works for the moment.)
3. A daughter shares her very good day via text. I don't care for texting, but in moments like these, I am thankful for it.

"Life, too, is like that. You live it forward, but understand it backward."    
Abraham Verghese  Cutting For Stone

Changes, Meadowlark, An Easier Drive

1. A steady spring rain pattered on the window all night long. By mid-morning the sun broke through, refracting bright light from every glittering surface.

photo from stlucieaudubon.org

 2. I saw a bird on the lawn that I have never seen before. Ungainly, large feet and long beak, it's breast was daffodil yellow with a perfect black bib. After consulting the bird book, I learned that it was an Eastern Meadowlark. It says they are fairly common so I don't know why I've never seen one before.



3. It's still daylight when I drive to my 7:00pm meeting. Oh, little pleasures!

Too Much Beef, Texting, The Guys

1. We're discussing the co-purchase of a calf, to become a cow, to become our food. The problem is, we only have two refrigerator- freezers and no matter how I picture it in my mind, half a cow won't fit into them. I conjure up images of a talking cow trying to climb up into the freezer, arguing with me about the cramped space. Maybe if I ask politely...
2. I have the means (and the coupons) to invite Daughter #3 to meet me at the mall for a little shopping spree. I text this to her and get an unusually prompt reply with exclamation points.
2.a. Daughter #2 texts me at the same time as #3. She found someone to work her shift on Sunday so they can spend the entire day with us. The exclamation points are now flying everywhere!
3. Monday night pool for the guys is still going strong. J. deposits a fresh dozen eggs on my table as he passes through the kitchen each and every week.
3.a. R. passes through with a bottle in a brown paper bag. Steve pulls it out and says to me, "See R.'s hospitality?" I say, "That's very nice hospitality, R." and the smile under his beard is so big, it lights up his eyes.